Standard procedures of Cardiac or Heart surgeries may often involve blood transfusion(s). Bloodless surgical procedures are increasingly becoming popular nowadays as an alternative to regular surgeries. In a bloodless surgery, blood transfusion or use of blood products are almost absent.
Several medical institutions are reporting an increasing demand for Bloodlesssurgeries by patients. Though bloodless surgery needs longer preparation time when compared to standard surgery, some patients, especially Jehovahs Witnesses choose to opt for it on account of their religious beliefs. Many others do so due to the many advantages offered by bloodless surgery like:
- A bloodless surgery follows a very precise surgery technique.
- The absence of Blood transfusion minimizes the risk of contracting infection or diseases.
- A bloodless surgery also reduces recovery time and hospital costs.
A couple of decades ago, many patients were looking for an option of bloodless heart surgery not for religious reasons but to steer clear of the potential risks of HIV, Hepatitis and other unknown blood-borne viruses. Although routine screenings at blood banks have reduced this risk considerably, many patients are still concerned about accepting infected blood.
Blood transfusions (from an unrelated donor or from self) can sometimes affect the patients immune system and cause allergies / allergic reactions, depending on the sensitivity of the patient to the additives and preservatives used in storing of the blood.
After an open heart surgery, inflammatory responses due to collection of inflammable fluids in different organs may also be seen in some patients, slowing down the post-operative recovery period. Several patients are also averse to the idea of receiving blood products from other people.
The science behindbloodlessheart surgeryhas made impressive progress over the last decade and it is now possible to offer this option routinely to most patients.
